Method and apparatus for mounting solar panels

ABSTRACT

Solar panel array with a plurality of solar panels on support system attached at corners or off such corners for foundation structure needs and irregularities secured to roof by lag bolt with mount channel and flashing pre-assembled into mount by crimp for positive seal and mount riser height adjustable can include bilateral or quadrilateral mounts, a coupler seat to affix panel to mount and lateral movement seat for solar panel. An intercalative junction piece, nut, or washer has tines for grounding, a dissociation guide and flexture and keeps off the surface for association and perforation to clamp panel firmly via different clamps including wedge clamps, top restraints, lip end clamps, side support clamps, compression clamps, etc.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Patent ApplicationNumber PCT/US14/33697, filed Apr. 10, 2014, which claims the benefit ofand priority to, and this application also separately claims the benefitof and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/966,652, filedFeb. 26, 2014, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/965,167, filed Jan.24, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/958,564, filed Jul.31, 2013, each hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This patent relates to solar panel mounting and support systems such asmay be used for pitched roofs and other applications. It especiallyrelates to mounting systems that are very easy and quick to install andthat have low overall cost.

Solar panel mounting systems have provided a number of features, howevernone has adequately provided specific features and adequately combinedfeatures that make an economical, easy to install system as now providedthat allows adequate grounding, provides installation ease, anduniversal application to a great variety of solar panel manufactures asthe present system.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The solar collector PV panel array is formed by a plurality of solarpanels on a support system. The support system can either be secured tothe roof rafters by a roof mount or to the OSB, plywood or sheathing.

Panel supports attach to the edge of the panels and also attach to theroof mounts. The roof mount attachment to the panel supports can beadjusted in height to allow for uneven roofs. The panel supports can beattached anywhere along the edge of the solar panel including along twoadjacent solar panels. This allows for adjustment in the horizontaldirection and which allows for easy attachment to any of the roofrafters. The roof mounts are adjustable in the up/down direction of theroof. These adjustments allow for adjustment in all three dimensionswhich allows more flexibility in the location of the solar panels on theroof.

All metal parts are electrically grounded together including the solarpanel frames. This means that the earth ground can be attached anywhereand all of the metal parts will be electrically grounded together.

Standard framed solar panels are used in the solar panel support system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 67 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 68 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 69 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 70 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 72 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 73 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 74 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 76 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 77 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 78 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 79 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 80 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 81 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 82 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 83 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 84 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 85 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 86 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 87 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 88 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 89 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 90 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 91 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 92 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 93 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 94 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 95 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 96 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 97 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 98 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 99 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 100 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 101 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 102 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 103 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 104 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 105 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 106 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 107 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 108 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 109 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 110 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 111 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 112 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 113 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 114 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 115 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 116 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 117 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 118 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 119 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 120 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 121 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 122 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 123 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 124 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 125 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 126 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 127 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 128 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 129 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 130 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 131 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 132 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 133 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 134 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 135 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 136 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 137 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 138 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 139 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 140 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 141 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 142 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 143 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 144 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 145 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 146 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 147 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 148 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 149 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 150 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 151 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 152 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 153 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 154 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 155 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 156 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 157 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 158 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 159 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 160 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 161 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 162 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 163 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 164 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 165 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 166 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 167 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 168 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 169 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 170 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 171 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 172 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 173 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 174 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 175 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 176 is a perspective view of one component of one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 177 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 178 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 179 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 180 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 181 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 182 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 183 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 184 is a cross-sectional view of one component of one embodiment ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a solar panel support system, 1, on a pitched roof, 2.Shown are 6 solar panels, 3, in an embodiment of a solar panel mountingor support system, 1. FIG. 2 shows the lower right corner of FIG. 1without the solar panel support system, 1. In order to attach the roofmount, 7, a hole may be drilled into the roof, 2, into the roof rafter,4, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. The drilled hole, 6, can be seen inFIG. 3. The roof mount, 7, shown in FIG. 4 is one aspect of theinvention. FIG. 5, shows numerous the roof mounts, 7, installed on theroof, 2.

FIGS. 6 and 8 show one embodiment of a solar panel mount base, 13, alsoreferred to a mount channel, 13, as such may include a slide adjustment.As the cross section view in FIG. 9 shows, the flashing, 8, may bepinched into the solar panel mount base, 13, on the roof mount, 7, suchas at location 18 and may be inserted under the cut shingle, 5 and theshingle, 9, and aligned to the drilled hole, 6. See FIGS. 3 and 4. A lagbolt, 10, may hold the roof mount, 7, onto the roof, 2. See FIGS. 6, 9,and 11. As shown in FIG. 6, the lag bolt may go through the mountchannel, 13, on the roof mount, 7. FIG. 6 also shows the seal, 12, andlag bolt washer, 11.

When the lag bolt is tightened, the seal, 12, may be pushed up againstthe lag bolt washer bottom, 14, the lag bolt shank, 15, and the mountchannel tapered hole, 16, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. A compressed seal,12, may form a liquid tight seal. See FIG. 9. As may be understood, thisembodiment can present a permanent underside sealed junction between thesolar panel mount base, 13, and the bottom flashing, 8. Further, theseal of the flashing to the mount base, 13, may be pre-assembled tounderside permanently seal the flashing to the structure foundation suchas the solar panel mount base, 13. The lag bolt washer, 11, may alsohave a lag bolt washer biting lip, 17, which can cut into the mountchannel, 13, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. This may form an electricalground between the lag bolt, 10, lag bolt washer, 11 and the mountchannel, 13. By having a pre-assembled juncture perhaps such as a crimpas shown, a preassemble, crimped item such as an assembly mount base canbe provided. As shown, the design may present an inner radiusdeformation capture that can provide a good seal.

As can be seen, there can be a base flashing portion flat on the bottom,and a raised flashing portion that lift up, the raised flashing portionmay have an upper terminus flashing portion and the crimp may be in thevicinity of a transition between any of these portions. By establishinga base flashing portion, a raised flashing portion, an upper terminusflashing portion, and sealing the crimped item in the vicinity of atransition between a portions, sealing can be reliably accomplished. Asshown in this embodiment, the crimp may be positioned below thesubstantially vertical terminus flashing portion, and the crimped itemmay be positioned below the substantially vertical terminus flashingportion.

In embodiments, the flashing raised lip, 18, may be secured to the solarpanel mount base, 13, with the high pressure of the mount channel swagelip, 19 by a crimped junction. This can be pre-manufactured and cancreate a strong seal between the flashing-pinched, 8, and the mountchannel or solar panel mount base. In some embodiments, the mountchannel, 13, can be designed to divert water around the attachmentlocation such as may arise from water flowing down the roof or the like.The channel mount up shape, 21, such as configured for the upper sidewhen mounted on a pitched roof or the like is shown in FIG. 12. Thewater flow direction, 22 is also shown. Embodiments may include a lagbolt cover, 20, to help deflect water before it reaches the lag bolt, 10or other attachment element. The cover may also be made non-metallic soit may not require electrical grounding. Drainage grooves, 49, shown inFIG. 8 may also be provided to deflect any moisture that may get nearthe lag bolt, 10. Both the lag bolt cover, 20, and the drainage grooves,49, may be a redundancy to the lag bolt seal so normally may not berequired.

FIGS. 13 and 17 show how designs can include a solar panel supportslider, 27, that has a first slider side and a second slider side, andcan be positioned adjacent the solar panel foundation mount. Bypositioning a solar panel support slider, 27, at this location adjacentto a solar panel foundation mount such as the attachment by the lagbolt, 10, additional adjustment to accommodate mounting surfaceirregularities, mounting location needs, roof rafter locations, or thelike.

As shown in FIG. 11, the slider, 27, can move back and forth on themount channel, 13, until the slider nut, 24, is tightened. This canallow for adjustment of the location for the panel support mount-grip,28, in the roof top to bottom direction. The adjust stud, 23, canpresent a mount riser and can be threaded in opposite directions on eachend, so turning it allows adjustment of the height of the panel supportmount-grip, 28, in the up and down direction from the roof, 2. When theslider nut, 24, is tightened, tines such as the slider biting teeth, 26,can be included to penetrate into or perforate the mount channel, 13,and the slider, 27 to create a better ground connection. See FIGS. 11and 13.

The adjust stud, 23, may be secured to the panel support mount-grip, 28,by the panel support nut, 29. This can also create a good electricalground path between the panel support mount-grip, 28, and the adjuststud, 23 and may also include a tined nut or washer or the like. Byincluding tined elements, the use of biting parts can provide that thematerial or surface is penetrated or perforated. In this manner any twosurfaces, such as two mount surfaces or mount surfaces and solar panelsurfaces can be well grounded, or at least well electrically connectedto each other. Of course, a first surface can be a panel surface and asecond surface can be a mount surface. Regardless, for connecting anytwo surfaces in proximity to each other, one or both can be perforated.One direction can be designated a “forward” direction or more generallya progressive direction of perforation and the other can be designated aregressive direction of perforation. Mount surfaces can include a mountbase surface, a panel surface or other mount surfaces, and byperforating a mount surface such as on a mount base, better groundingcan occur.

Such surfaces can even include a conductive material with an insulatingcoating. The insulating coating can be intentionally included or canresult from use such as but not limited to a material having a surfacethat has anodized from exposure to weather and the like, orintentionally manufactured coatings such as anodized aluminum. Asdiscussed below, other structural parts and hardware may be a conductivematerial with a conductive surface such as, but not limited to,stainless steel and the like. Threads formed into conductive materialwith a non-conductive surface may be initially considered non-conductiveif the threads are formed after some non-conductive coating is applied.If a conductive material with a conductive surface is threaded into theconductive material with a non-conductive coating, then an electricalground path can be formed as long as the thread contacts or otherconnection is established are under high pressure such as by adequatelytightening a nut, bolt, or other element. In this manner, there can nowbe provided an adequate grounding path such as between the lag bolt, 10,and through to the panel support mount-grip, 28.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a solar panel support system, 1, without the roof,2. A long panel support-slide, 31, can be attached as a foundation mountto the sides of the solar panel, 3, in between two adjacent solarpanels, 3 or at a corner of one or more solar panels and can thusconstitute a corner solar panel mount, 31, or can accomplish foundationmounting a system by a corner solar panel mount and engaging a solarpanel corner. Similarly, the foundation mounting system can be attachedto intermediate along the sides of the solar panel, 3, off the corner,and can present an off corner solar panel mount and engaging the solarpanel off of a corner. In this manner, the foundation mount to which thesolar panel mount such as short panel support-slide, 30, is connected,can be optimally positioned to locate the structure foundationattachment that may extend through the solar panel mount base forfoundation surface irregularities, roof rafter locations, or the like.Both including a short panel support-slide, 30, attached to the sides ofthe solar panel, 3, and allowing attachment in areas where there is nota long panel support-slide, 31 can allow the steps of establishing thesolar panel mount base adjacent a structure foundation and attachingthrough the solar panel mount base to the structure foundation asdesired locations so that the solar panel foundation mount isestablished adjacent the structure foundation where needed.

Embodiments as shown can facilitate and allow the short panelsupport-slide, 30 to also be placed adjacent to a long panelsupport-slice, 31, so the panel support mount-grip, 28, can be placed soit is touching and is connected to both supports. See FIG. 17. FIG. 18shows the short panel support-side, 30, in the middle area of the solarpanel, 3 such as off the corner as an off corner solar panel mount. Thismeans that the panel support mount-grip, 28, can be placed at anylocation along the edges of the solar panel, 3.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show one method of attaching a solar panel mount basesuch as the panel support mount-grip, 28, to the short panelsupport-slide, 30. When the transverse bolt is tightened such as bytightening the panel support-mount bolt, 35, the forces on the angledsupport-mount contact edges, 36, and the angled mount support contactedge, 37, can firmly attach the panel support mount-grip, 28, to theshort panel support-slide, 30. As mentioned above, and as shown in FIGS.18-23, for assured grounding, the panel support mount clamp lock washer,34, can include tines to bite into the panel support mount clamp, 33. Inaddition or alternatively, tines can be included as biting bar teeth,39, such as on a separate intercalative junctionpiece that can bepositioned adjacent a first solar panel system surface and a secondsolar panel system surface so as to intercalarily associate the firstsolar panel surface and the second solar panel surface. This is shown inthis embodiment by inclusion of biting bar, 38. The intercalativejunctionpiece can be an intercalative bar member or even a tined flatbar. This can pierce into the short panel support-slide, 30. The bitingbar, 38, may be pre-installed in the short panel support-slide, 30 sothe biting bar teeth, 39, have penetrated the panel support mount-gripbase, 32. As initially mentioned above, different materials can be usedand the intercalative junctionpiece can be made of stainless steel andthus present a stainless junctionpiece, or can be made of other suchmaterial so as to join with a perhaps softer aluminum solar panelsurface (which can be on the solar panel or merely in or on the mountsystem). As can be appreciated, and as especially shown in FIG. 89, byutilizing a tined flat bar having a width that can be coordinated with aslotted surface also having a similar width, the intercalative barmember or the like can be held in place. The slot can be configured toaccept less than the maximum width of the intercalative bar member so aportion of it is forced to stick out and thus forced to perforate asolar panel mount surface and by providing a slot that has less than thefull width of a tined flat bar or the like, the grounding effect can beachieved.

As can be understood, the intercalative junctionpiece can be positionedbetween a first panel system surface and a second panel system surfaceto provide an item between the two surfaces. As shown in FIG. 22, theintercalative junctionpiece can be a unitary junctionpiece and can havetines on it so as to be a mechanical deformation junctionpiece. Throughthe step of mechanically deforming one or perhaps at least two solarpanel system surfaces that may even be made of different substances,perhaps such as one (likely the tines) to be made of a harder surface,the substances and surfaces (perhaps softer substances) can beintercalarily associated. There can now be an electrical ground betweenthe short panel support-slide, 30, and the panel support mount-gripbase, 32.

The biting bar, 38, can also be used for grounding between the shortpanel support-slide, 30, and the short panel support slide bar, 40. SeeFIGS. 22-24 and 30. When the panel support bolt, 41, is tightened, thebiting bar teeth, 39, can penetrate into or perforate the solar panelframe bottom, 43. The biting bar teeth has now penetrated into the shortpanel support-slide, 30. The panel support lock washer, 42, can alsopenetrate into or perforate the short panel support-slide, 30. There cannow be a good electrical ground between the solar panel frame bottom,43, and the short panel support-slide, 30. The solar panel, 3, can thusbe securely fastened to the short panel support-slide, 30.

The electrical grounding and attachment method of the long panelsupport-slide, 31, and the solar panel, 3, is very similar to the shortpanel-slide, 30, and the solar panel, 3, as previously described. Onedifference may be that two panel support bolts, 41, may be used andthere is a biting bar, 38, at each panel support bolt, 41, location.Also, a long panel support slide bar, 44, can be used instead of a shortpanel support slide bar, 40. See FIGS. 25-30.

To aid in solar panel, 3 spacing, spacing tabs can be used. See FIGS.25-26 to see the slide bar spacer tabs, 45, and panel support-slidespacer tabs, 46. Refer to FIGS. 27-29 to see the solar panel, 3,spacing.

As can be understood from the above, a solar panel mount can beestablished above a solar panel foundation mount. As shown in oneembodiment in FIG. 26, the solar panel mount can be the componentagainst which solar panels are situated. This can include multiple seatson which a solar panel can be placed. Such seats can include at leastone solar panel coupler seat which may be configured to firmly couple asolar panel to the solar panel mount. As discussed in more detail below,it can also include one or more lateral movement seats. A solar panelcoupler seat is shown on the right side of the drawing of the embodimentof the solar panel mount shown in FIG. 26. In this embodiment, there isa solar panel frame lip end restraint, such as the long panel supportslide bar, 44. This solar panel frame lip end restraint can be used inone way of clamping and coupling the solar panel to the solar panelmount. By solar panel lip end clamping the solar panel against theintermediate support shown as extending upward in FIG. 26, the a solarpanel underside lip can be placed in the solar panel underside lipcapture seat. In this manner, one type of bottom lip compression clampsystem is shown. As a lip end clamp system, compression forces caninitially restrain (which may allow some limited movement) and, whentightened, retain (which may firmly affix) the solar panel to the solarmount.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 26, four panels can be joined by one solarpanel mount, such as at a corner where four panels meet. This is onetype of quadrilateral solar panel mount that achieves the step ofquadrilaterally mounting a plurality of solar panels. When including aclamp such as shown in one embodiment, the system can have a firmlyfixed solar panel retainer mount. Further as shown in FIG. 26, slide barspacer tabs, 45, and panel support-slide spacer tabs, 46 can bepositioned in between where two panels might meet. This can allow themount to be an adjacent firmly fixed solar panel retainer mount. Whentwo other panels, considered first and second panels, are mounted on theother side of the mount shown in FIG. 26, the mount can achieve affixinga third solar panel and adjacently affixing a fourth solar panel,perhaps even with an intermediate support extending from the solar panelmount as shown.

As may be understood from FIG. 30, a solar panel can be attached byoperating a clamp position adjuster such as the panel support bolt, 41that may move a solar panel movable restraint such as the long panelsupport slide bar, 44, or the short panel support slide bar, 40 in theembodiment shown. This can achieve clamping a solar panel perhaps byoperation of a threaded adjuster such as by turning the threadedadjuster. As shown in FIG. 30, the solar panel movable restraint canhave a solar panel lip overhang that covers some part of a solar panellip such as the bottom lip situated against the solar panel couplerseat. In some embodiments, there can also be an intermediate support anda top restraint such as shown at location 30 or 31. By causing the solarpanel end to be pushed against the intermediate support, designs canachieve internally intermediate support clamping the solar panel.Further, by causing the solar panel top to be held down as shown,designs can achieve top restraining the solar panel.

In some installations, there can be fascia on the downward edge of thesolar panel support system, 1. FIG. 31-33 show fascia, 47, on the solarpanel support system, 1. The fascia, 47, is clamped into the short panelsupport-slide, 30 and the long panel support-slide, 31, the same way thesolar panel, 3, is clamped into the panel support-slides. This can beseen in FIG. 32. FIG. 33 shows only one fascia, 47, attached. The solarpanel support system shown has 3 of them. Electrical grounding of thefascia, 47, to the panel support-slides, 30 and 31, can be the same asthe solar panel, 3, to the panel support-slides, 30 and 31.

Now all the metal parts can be electrically grounded in each of thesolar panel, 3, rows. The row reference is the horizontal direction.Each row preferably needs to be electrically grounded together. This canbe accomplished using the long panel support-slide, 31 in between thesolar panels, 3, on either side of the rows. The long panel support, 31,would stick out the side similar to the long panel support, 31, shown inFIG. 15, which is the top of the edge of the solar panel support system,1. To avoid this, a partial long panel support can be used. FIGS. 34 and35 show the long panel support-slide-single side, 48. Since long panelsupport-slide-single side, 48, can have the same clamping features asthe long panel support-slide, 31, electrical ground can be establishedbetween the rows. All the conductive parts of the solar panel supportsystem, 1, may now be electrically grounded. Note that the lag boltcover, can be non-metallic so it may not need grounding.

The long panel support-slide-single side, 48, could also be used insteadof the long panel support-slide, 31, in the front of the solar panelsupport system, 1. Fascia, 47, would not be required. If this is done,then a short panel support-slide-single side, 50, could be used insteadof the short panel support-slide, 30. The short panelsupport-slide-single side, 50, is shown in FIG. 37. This is moreaesthetic but may not be as aesthetic as the fascia.

Again, in the embodiment shown, a solar panel frame lip end restraintcan be used to solar panel lip end clamp the solar panel or the fasciaagainst the intermediate support. The a solar panel underside lipcapture seat can be used to underside lip clamp the solar panel or thefascia and the a bottom lip compression clamp system shown and lip endclamp system shown can be universally applied.

FIG. 38 shows three solar panels, 3, on solar panel support system, 1.Only three solar panels, 3, are used to show the features. Larger, solarpanel support systems, 1, could normally be installed.

The clamping of the solar panel frame bottom can be similar to what hasbeen explained and biting nuts can be used. Different designs can beused for panel support slides. See FIGS. 40-44. When the panel supportbolt, 41, is tightened, it can clamp the solar panel frame bottom, 43,to either the short panel support-nut, 53, or the long panelsupport-nut, 56. A support biting nut, 58, is shown as one type of atine on a nut in the out and fully tightened position. The supportbiting nut teeth, 59, present tines that can cut into and perforate thesolar panel frame bottom, 43, and either the short panel support-nut,43, or the long panel support-nut, 56.

As can be appreciated from FIG. 43, a solar panel movement restraint canrespond to a clamp position adjuster. By operating the clamp positionadjuster such as the panel support bolt, 41, the device can achieve thestep of clamping a solar panel perhaps such as a the solar panel lipoverhang and can internally intermediate support clamp and even toprestrain the solar panel. By including a solar panel frame lip endrestraint, the coupling and clamping can be hidden, protected, anduniversal for many solar panel designs. The solar panel underside lipcapture seat can be used with many different brands of panels and thebottom lip compression clamp system and lip end clamp system can achievethe goals of providing a universal, cost effective, mount system. Asshown, the solar panel movable restraint is situated in proximity to thesolar panel coupler seat and the act of moving the solar panel movablerestraint with respect to said solar panel coupler seat can beaccomplished by turning the bolt or other element on an opposite side orsecond side from the panel to be affixed so that the panel itself doesnot impeded access during the assembly process when establishing themovable solar panel mount element at the desired position and tightness.

The mount riser such as T bolt, 60, height from roof, 2, can be setcorrectly prior to inserting it into the panel support C-channel, 55.The T-bolt, 60, may be positioned so the narrow side fits into the panelsupport C-channel, 55, as shown in FIG. 47. The T-bolt, 60, can bethreaded into the slider-U, 57. Here, the slider-U, 57, is what slidesin the roof mount U-channel, 51. The slider-U, 57, can freely slide aslong as the T-bolt nut, 63 is not tightened. FIGS. 50 and 51 show theT-bolt, 6, in more detail.

In this embodiment, the T-bolt, 60 can then be turned to the wideposition as shown in FIG. 48 and then the two T-bolt nuts, 63, may betightened as shown in FIG. 49. The T-bolt nuts may have T-bolt lockwashers, 64, as shown in FIGS. 47-49. When the T-bolts nuts, 63 aretight, the C-channel biting washer, 61 can have tines that may be driveninto and perforate the panel support C-channel, 55, and the U-channelbiting washer, 62, into the roof mount U-channel, 51. This can completethe electrical grounding between the solar panel frame bottom, 43, andthe roof mount U-channel, 51. As shown in FIG. 46, a nut can have alinear tine on the nut. Alternatively, there can be a circular tine on anut, an exterior terminus tine on a nut, and even an individual tine ona nut. Similarly, a washer can have such features as well and these canact with a bolt or the like to serve as a solar panel attachment boltthat acts to establish the solar panel movable restraint at a firmengagement position. These can also be employed to similarly serve toelectrically ground when positioning a solar panel support slideradjacent the solar panel foundation mount even when, as shown in oneembodiment in FIG. 40, acting to position a solar panel support sliderby use of a first slider side and a second slider side forced tightadjacent as part of a solar panel foundation mount.

As can be appreciated from FIG. 41, the flashing-flared, 52, may beplaced under the roof shingles, 5 and 9, as shown in FIG. 4. The roofmount U-channel may be fastened to the roof, 2, with a lag bolt, 10.Refer also to FIG. 53. A lag cupped seal washer, 66, can be installed onthe lag bolt, 10, as shown in FIG. 54 or it can be placed on theflashing cone lip, 65, before the installation of the lag bolt, 10, asshown in FIG. 56. The cupped seal, 67, and the cupped seal washer, 66,details are shown in FIGS. 57 and 58. These can include tines as well.When the lag bolt, 10, is fastened to the roof, 2, the cone area of thecone-hat seal, 67 can fit into the inside cone of the flashing cone lip,65. The cone hat seal, 67, can be compressed between the inside of theflashing cone lip, 65, and the lag bolt shank, 15. The cone hat seal,67, may also be compressed against the top of the flashing cone lip, 65,and the bottom inside of the cupped seal washer, 66. See FIG. 59 for thecross section of this seal. You can see clearly, that the compressedcone-hat seal, 67 can create a good seal. This compression creates avery good seal so no water should penetrate through from the topflashing surface. Note that under certain conditions, a very smallamount of moisture may penetrate under the flashing so may be helpful toput sealant in the hole in the roof prior to screwing in the lag screw.

When the lag bolt, 10, is installed with tines on the washer, cuppedseal washer biting lip, 68, as shown in FIG. 57, can penetrate into orperforate the roof mount U-Channel. All the metal parts in the solarpanel system support may thus be electrically grounded to each other. Byhaving the bottom flashing extending under the solar panel mount base,and by establishing flashing under at least a portion of solar panelmount base a good seal can be achieved.

As mentioned above, the solar panel mount can include one or morelateral movement seats such as on a non-clamped side. FIGS. 60-62 showssuch an embodiment. This can be understood by noting the insertion ofthe non-clamped side of the solar panel, 3. The solar panel nearside andfar side frame to the viewer has been removed to more clearly show theside solar panel frames. The seat in this embodiment is configured as asolar panel rotational insertion and is on a first side of said solarpanel mount base with a coupler seat configured on the second side asshown. By positioning a solar panel at a solar panel rotationalinsertion seat as shown in the left side of the figure, the solar panelcan then be easily angled into position at the solar panel rotationalinsertion seat. As shown, the design includes a rotational dip to allowinsertion under the top restraint by placing the solar panel into therotational dip. The solar panel is then rotated down into position. Thesteps of rotating down and retaining can be accomplished on opposedsides of the mount base as shown. As noted above, the clamp positionadjuster can be accessed on the first base side so as not to be blockedby one panel that is to be clamped by accessing the clamp positionadjuster on that first side of the mount base. The movement side panelcan then be slid or can move laterally as may be needed or desired whenanother end of the panel is firmly affixed or clamped. In this manner,embodiments can provide a solar panel lateral movement accommodationmount and a solar panel lateral movement accommodation seat. As shownwhile on one side there can be a lateral movement solar panel mount, onthe other side there can be a firmly fixed solar panel retainer mount,and these two mounts can even be opposed with respect to theintermediate support as shown. This embodiment can also have adjacentlateral movement solar panel mounts and adjacent firmly fixed solarpanel retainer mounts. Thus embodiments can allow lateral movement of afirst solar panel and adjacently allow lateral movement of a secondsolar panel. Opposite these it can also affix a third solar panel, andadjacently affixing a fourth solar panel that are opposed with respectto the intermediate support.

FIG. 60 shows the solar panel, 3, inserted at a slight angle. FIG. 61shows the solar panel, 3, at a lower angle and FIG. 62 shows the solarpanel, 3, at the installed position. The top restraint or panel supportretaining lip, 69, can assure that the solar panel, 3, will remain inplace after installation and under load conditions. In FIG. 60, a panelsupport retaining lip-shaped, 70, is shown. This type of shape may beable to pull in the solar panel, 3, more effectively. There can be somespace between the panel support retaining lip, 69, and the edge of thesolar panel frame bottom, 43, to allow for installation and parttolerances. The solar panel top restraint can act to achieve toprestraining of the solar panel and can be considered one example of aholder lip. The panel can engage the holder lip. As shown in FIG. 60,the solar panel mount can have a solar panel dual top restraint so thatit dual top restrains two solar panels, one on either side as shown. Onesolar panel single top restraint and be provide so as to only toprestrain a single solar panel, and this can even be provided on aretainer side and thus present a retainer mount side top restraint. Thiscan be the clamped side and can achieve clamp-side top restraining ofthe single solar panel if desired.

FIG. 62 shows how two panels can be mounted bilaterally. In embodiments,a solar panel retainer mount can be provided on a first side of thesolar panel mount base, and a similar or different mount, here shown asa solar panel lateral movement first solar panel mount can beestablished on a second side of the solar panel mount. This achievesbilaterally mounting of a plurality of solar panels. In this embodiment,as but one example, one allows lateral movement of a solar panel and theother provides a firmly fixed second solar panel retainer mount thataffixes a second solar panel. In other embodiments two clamps can beprovided such as a first opposed solar panel clamp and a second opposedsolar panel clamp.

FIG. 63 shows another variation of the solar panel support system, 1.The roof mount is special L-bracket with the module frame clamped fromthe top.

FIGS. 64, 66, 71-74 show the solar panel, 3, clamped between the shorttop panel support clamp, 73, and the short panel support-TC, 71, or thelong top panel support clamp, 84, and the long panel support-TC, 72.FIG. 67 shows the solar panel, 3, clamped between the short top panelsupport clamp, 73, and the long panel support-TC, 72. Both the shortpanel support-TC, 71, and the long panel support-TC, 72, have a solarpanel lip overhang such as the a panel support-top clamp lip, 85, thathooks around the end of the solar panel bottom lip such as at solarpanel frame bottom, 43, as shown in FIGS. 66 and 72-75. This panelsupport-top clamp lip, 85 can aid in the alignment of the adjacent solarpanels during the attachment of the long panel support-TC, 72 to thesolar panel, 3. The lip overhang can be at a solar panel coupler seat asshown or at a lateral movement seat and can perpendicularly restrainmovement whether clamped or laterally free. Particularly for anembodiment that includes some type of lateral movement seat, a solarpanel perpendicular movement restraint can be configured so as to allowsome amount of limited perpendicular movement such as only enough to beconsistent with allowing lateral movement during installation, duringuse over years, during temperature expansion and contraction, or thelike.

There can be one biting bar, 38, on the short panel support-TC, 71, andtwo biting bars, 38, on the long panel support-TC, 72, as shown in FIGS.68 and 69. The location of the biting bars, 38, can align with a toprestraint and even a top retainer such as that bolts down to affix thesolar panel perhaps by the top panel support clamp bolts, 74. Like theprevious discussed solar panel support systems, the L-bracket can beattached anywhere along the edge of the solar panel, 3. Refer to FIGS.64, 65 and 70. By rotating a solar panel top retainer such as configuredas the short top panel support clamp, 73, on the long top panel supportclamp, 84, two different solar panel, 3, heights as can be seen in FIGS.72 and 73. This can act to hold down a solar panel by a top restraineror to clamp a solar panel by a top retainer.

FIG. 66 shows how the panel support-top clamp, 71 or 72, can bepre-assembled to top panel support clamp, 73 or 84, With the top panelsupport clamp bolts, 74, screwed out, there is enough clearance toposition the panel support-top clamp, 71 or 72, on the side of the solarpanel, 8. This will save in installation time.

The L-bracket nut, 78, can have tines such as separate L-bracket bitingprongs, 79, on the corners as shown in FIGS. 75-77. The L-bracket bolt,86, can also be a serrated flange bolt to cut into the L-bracket, 76,during assembly if desired.

The L-bracket vertical slot, 86, can be another way to achieve a mountriser that allows for height adjustment of the solar panel mounts. TheL-bracket horizontal slot, 87, can allow for adjustment in the up/downroof direction. See FIGS. 78 and 81. The L-bracket, 76, can be attachedto a roof, 2, with a lag bolt, 10. A drilled hole, 6, may be requiredfor the lag bolt, 10, similar to the one showed in FIG. 3. Beforeattaching the L-bracket, 76, a roofing sealant may be injected in thehole and the L-bracket horizontal slot, 87, may be over filled. When thelag bolt, 10 is screwed in the roof, 1, the L-bracket washer, 80, canpush more sealant in the voids under the L-bracket, 76, and any voidsbetween the L-bracket washer, 80, and the top of the L-bracket, 76. TheL-bracket washer, 80, may be large enough to cover the L-brackethorizontal slot, 87. See FIGS. 81 and 82.

The L-bracket flashing, 81, can then be placed under the shinglessimilar to FIG. 4. It can be placed over the L-bracket and screwed intoL-bracket, 76, using the L-bracket flashing screw, 82, and L-bracketflashing lock washer, 83, as shown in FIG. 84. There can now beelectrical grounding of all the metal parts from the solar module 3, tothe L-bracket, 76, and between the rows of solar panels. The solar panelcolumns can be grounded per previous discussions. The lag bolt, 10, andthe L-bracket washer, 80, could be grounded if the L-bracket washer, 80,was a biting washer. This may not be necessary since they areinaccessible under the grounded flashing.

Of course, in this patent, different features are discussed for variousembodiments of a solar panel support system and this should not beviewed as limiting; other designs are possible in keeping with theteachings of this invention. The features of each of the solar panelsupport systems are not to be considered unique to that solar panelsupport system but should be considered as useful for all of thepresented solar panel support systems and others as well. Any of thebiting features on the washers, nuts or bars are examples and couldchange without distracting from the purpose of the biting features.Further, all the solar panels are shown in the landscape direction.These solar panels could also be in the portrait direction. Generally,while the invention has been described in connection with a preferredembodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention tothe particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended tocover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may beincluded within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Various other designs are possible. For example, FIG. 85 shows a fourSolar Panel, 3, solar Panel Support System, 1, with front fascia, 47.FIG. 86, shows a this Solar Panel Support System, 1, with the middle ofthe Solar Panel (laminate), 3, removed so it is easier to view what isunderneath. FIG. 87 shows a Long Panel Support-SI, 88, with two PanelSupport Slides-SI, 90, which show how two of the Solar Panels, 3, may bejoined together. A Short Panel Support-SI, 89, with one Panel SupportSlides-SI, 90, is also shown. FIG. 90, also show this. FIGS. 87, 88, 90,96-115, shows the Panel Support Bolt, 41, the Long Panel Supports, 88,the Short Panel Supports, 89, and the Panel Support Slides-SI, 90.Rotating the Panel Support Bolt, 41, moves the Panel Support Slide-SI,90. FIG. 88 shows a solar panel mount system with a solar panel internalintermediate support restraint that achieves internally intermediatesupport clamping of the solar panel against the intermediate support.The design shown assembled n FIG. 88 presents a side clamp system and asolar panel mount side clamp system. In FIGS. 91 and 92, the Roof MountChannel Hole, 145, is offset from the T-Bolt, 60. The Roof Mount USChannel, 91, can be mounted to other roof racking such as but notlimited to standard solar rails, standard roof mounts, or Flashing, 8,18 or 52 as shown previously. This applies to any roof mount channelshown in this patent if only a hole is shown in the roof mount channel.

Referring to FIGS. 91 and 92, when the tined roof mount biting top nut,93, is loose, then the Long Panel Support-SI, 88 or the Short PanelSupport-SI, 89, can move along Panel Support C-channel, 55, and when itis tight, then the Panel Supports, 88 or 89, can be locked to theT-Bolt, 60. Likewise, when the Roof Mount Biting Bottom Nut, 94 isloose, the Roof Mount US Slider, 92 can move freely in the Roof Mount USChannel, 91, but when it is tightened, the T-Bolt, 60 can be locked tothe Roof Mount US Channel, 91, and the Roof Mount US Slider, 92 can belocked in place.

The mount riser, again such as T-Bolt, 60, can be used to adjust theheight of the Panel Supports-SI, 88 or 89, prior to the Solar Panel, 3,installation on the Panel Supports-SI, 88 or 89. To aid the Solar Panel,3, and fascia, 47, the tops of the T-Bolts, 60 or tops of the PanelSupports-SI, 88 or 89, can be adjusted so that they are coplanar to eachother prior to the Solar Panel, 3, and fascia, 47 installations.

The Roof Mount Biting Top Nut, 93, in FIGS. 90-93, can be used like theC-Channel Biting Washer, 61, T-Bolt Lock Washer, 64 and T-Bolt Nut, 63as shown in FIG. 49. The Roof Mount Biting Bottom Nut, 94, in FIGS.90-93, is used like the U-Channel Biting Washer, 62, T-Bolt Lock Washer,64 and T-Bolt Lock Washer, 63 as shown in FIG. 49. The groundingfunctions the same. The Roof Mount Biting Nut Biting Teeth, 95, as shownin FIG. 93, can cut into the Panel Supports-SI, 88 and 89, and the RoofMount US Channel, 91, as shown in FIGS. 92 and 93.

FIG. 91 shows an embodiment with a solar panel top restraint attached tothe intermediate support in the vicinity of the upper terminus of theintermediate support. The solar panel internal intermediate supportrestraint is clamped by tightening the bolt to internally intermediatesupport clamp the right solar panel against the intermediate supportthat is adjacent the solar panel coupler seat. As shown, the toprestraint is integrally attached to and part of the intermediate supportin the vicinity of said upper terminus and it acts to engage and clampthe solar panel. Note, that in FIGS. 91 and 92, only the Short PanelSupport-SI, 89, is shown but the features explained in the previousparagraphs apply to the Long Panel Support-SI, 88, as well.

FIG. 94 shows how an intercalative junctionpiece can have a progressivesolar system ground perforator tine to which a first solar panel systemsurface is responsive and a regressive solar system ground perforatortine to which a second solar panel system surface can be responsive. Byprogressive directionally perforating a first solar panel surface andregressive directionally perforating the second solar panel surface agood ground can be established. This can occur by operating a threadednut perforator situated proximal to the solar panel mount element asshown. This can act to achieve forcing the threaded nut or otherperforator closer to and even into the solar panel mount element. Thetined element can be an interposed washer perforator situated between athreaded nut and the solar panel mount element as an attachment situatedproximal to the solar panel mount element.

Embodiments can include some type of integral junctionpiece holderperhaps such as the slotted surface as especially shown in FIG. 89. Thiscan also serve as a preferential side association junctionpiece thatcauses the intercalative junctionpiece or tined flat bar topreferentially associate and likely remain positioned on one or anotherpiece or surface. As shown there can be a slot preferential sideassociation junctionpiece or more generally a side preferential tineassociation junctionpiece. As shown in FIG. 94, the tines can be barbedto retain preferentially to one side when perforated into the surface.The barbed tine junctionpiece can be part of a system that achieves thestep of integrally holding a unitary junctionpiece. On installation, theunitary junctionpiece shown can be inserted into the slotted surface andonce tightened can be preferentially associated with that surface by theslot, the surface, or my mechanical deformation through thejunctionpiece being forced into or against the surface. This can becontrolled by using different substances such as a harder and softersurface or by using aluminum and stainless steel as but one example.

FIGS. 96-102 shows how a Solar Panel, 3, and fascia, 47, can be insertedand fastened in the Solar Panel Support System, 1. This is a typical waybut does not limit to the only sequence of installation. This sequenceis for a Solar Panel Support System, 1, with fascia, 47. Some priorsequences will be talked about later in this Patent. The fascia, 47, maybe installed first, as shown in FIG. 96. The fascia, 47, is usuallyinstalled on the lower part of the roof. The Panel Support Bolt, 41, istightened as shown in FIG. 97. Similar to the Solar Panel, 3, thefascia, 47, can be joined together using the Long Panel Support-SI, 88,and supported using the short panel support-SI, 89. The Long PanelSupport-SI, 88, can be used also to support the fascia, 47. When thefascia, 47 is clamped as shown in FIG. 97, the tines or Biting BarTeeth, 39 and 96, penetrate into and perforate the fascia, 47,completing the electrical ground between the Panel Support Slide-SI, 90,and the fascia, 47.

FIGS. 98 and 99 show the Solar Panel, 3, in the installation position.The Short Panel Supports-SI, 89 (and the Long Panel Support, 88, if usedas a mount), would then be moved or pushed to the right as shown in FIG.100, This also moves or pushes the Solar Panel, 3, to the position asshown in FIG. 101. FIG. 102 shows the final installation. FIGS. 102 to113 show the Solar Panel, 3, typical installation if a fascia, 47, isnot used.

FIG. 105 shows a solar panel movable restraint situated in proximity toa solar panel coupler seat. The at least one movable restraint can bemoved with respect to said solar panel coupler seat to move the solarpanel against the intermediate support above the solar panel retainermount. Tightening the bolt can establish the movable solar panel mountelement at a desired position and can retain it in that position such asto clamp the solar panel to the mount. Grounding between Solar PanelInner Frame, 108, and the Panel Support Slide-SI, 90, is through theBiting Bar, 38. See FIG. 106. Grounding between all metal parts occur oneach row occurs during this installation. Additional grounding isrequired between rows, which was discussed in the previous provisionalpatent. Similarly, FIG. 110 and on show the step of clamping the solarpanel into position at the solar panel retainer mount and then firmlyfixing the solar panel into position at the solar panel retainer mountby the solar panel movable restraint. This involves positioning a solarpanel at the solar panel retainer mount, then capturing the solar panelat the solar panel retainer mount, and ultimately retaining the panel asdesired. As shown, the solar panel mount base on the foundation can havea structure foundation attachment extending through the solar panelmount base on the structure foundation.

FIGS. 114 and 115, show that the lip on the Panel Supports-SI, 88 or 89,above the Panel Support Slide-SI, 90, may be removed. The Solar Panel,3, would still be retained by the Panel Support Slide-SI, 90. Byproviding a retainer configured to secure the solar panel movablerestraint at a desired position relative to said solar panel couplerseat, the solar panel can be retained at a solar panel retainer mount.In this embodiment, it can be understood that act of retaining of thesolar panel is as an internally clamped item at the solar panel retainerseat. The retaining act can also retain at least one perforation tine inthe solar panel mount element for grounding. FIG. 122 shows how a topcan be restrained and FIG. 73 shows how a top can be retained perhaps bya top panel clamp.

FIGS. 116 to 123 show a more rigid way to hold the Panel SupportSlide-SIL, 99, in the Long Panel Support-SIL, 97 and the Short PanelSupport SIL, 98. FIGS. 122 and 123 show the holes in the Long PanelSupport-SIL, 97, and the Short Panel Support SIL, 98. The Panel SupportSlide-SIL, 99, can hold the Solar Panel, 3, against the Long PanelSupport-SIL, 97. With tolerance in the squareness of the Solar Modules,3, and the straightness of the Long Panel Support-SIL, 97, the SolarModules, 3, may not be in a straight line in the row direction. FIGS.120 and 121, show the Panel Support Flat Bumps, 100, and the PanelSupport Short Bumps, 101, to correct this row straightness. One SolarPanel, 3, is pushed up against Panel Support Flat Bumps, 100. Theadjacent Solar Panel, 3, is pushed up against the Panel Support ShortBumps, 101. This adjacent Solar Panel, 3, can rotate slightly around thePanel Support Short Bumps, 101, to allow the rows to be adjusted to bestraight.

FIGS. 124-129 shows another variation Solar Panel Support System, 1.FIG. 124 shows a four Solar Panel, 3, Solar Panel Support System, 1.FIG. 125 shows the same system with the middle of the Solar Panels, 3,removed. FIGS. 125 to 129 show a Panel Support System, 1, with RoofMount US Channel-Long Rails, 102. Under certain load conditions and rooftile mounts, it is advantageous to use a rail under the system. TheseRoof Mount US Channel-Long Rails, 102, function as this rail and also asthe Roof Mount Channels in this embodiment.

FIGS. 127 and 128, show the Roof Mount US Channel-Long Rails, 102, withRoof Mount US Channel-Long Slots, 142, in the Roof Mount US Channel-LongLip, 144. These Roof Mount US Channel-Long Slots, 142, can be used toattach to other roof mounts. Roof Mount US Channel-Long Rails, 102,could be a continuous length or in shorter lengths and spliced together.Roof Mount US Channel-Long Lip, 144, is shown in FIG. 128, at the bottomof the Roof Mount US Channel-Long Rails, 102. This Roof Mount USChannel-Long Lip, 144, could be located anywhere along the Roof Mount USChannel-Long Side, 143.

FIG. 130 shows another Solar Panel Support System, 1 and FIG. 131 showsthis same system with the middle of the Solar Panel, 3, removed. Asespecially depicted in FIG. 137, this embodiment can have a dissociationguide and a wedge clamp. As shown, the Panel Support Slide-SIW, 105, canforce the Solar Panel Frame Bottom, 43, against the seat such as LongPanel Support-SIW, 103, and the Short Panel Support-SIW, 104, as shownin FIGS. 132-136, and 140-142. In FIGS. 137 and 139, shows the PanelSupport Slide-SIW, 105, above the Solar Panel Frame Bottom, 43. It iskept up to protect the Biting Bar, 38, with the aid of dissociationguide or bias member such as the Panel Support Slide-SIW Up Flexture,106. As the Panel Support Bolt, 41 is tightened, the Panel SupportSlide-SIW, 105, is forced down along the Panel Support Angled Wall, 109,by the wedge element until it clamps the Solar Panel Frame Bottom, 43,as shown in FIGS. 140 and 141. This has forced the Biting Bar, 38, intothe Solar Panel Frame Bottom, 43, thus creating grounding between thePanel Support Slide-SIW, 105, and the Solar Panel, 3. FIG. 137 shows theinsertion position when the Solar Panels, 3, are first installed. Theright Solar Panel, 3, would be installed first and then clamped down.The left Solar Panel, 3, would then be installed and pulled to the leftto position it under the Panel Support SIW Retaining Finger, 146. Thedissociation guide to which the solar panel movable restraint isresponsive, such as the Panel Support Slide-SIW Up Flexture, 106 acts todissociate the solar panel movable restraint from the solar panel andthe coupler seat while the step of moving the solar panel movablerestraint with respect to the solar panel coupler seat is accomplished.This can be accomplished by flexibly opposing movement of the solarpanel movable restraint against or towards the solar panel coupler seat.This dissociation guide can be a mount integral dissociation guide andmultiple such guides can be provided in some embodiments. As an integralsolar panel mount component it can be provided as part of the movablerestraint as shown. As shown in FIG. 142 and others, there can be anupper integral dissociation guide, perhaps such as Panel SupportSlide-SIW Finger Flexture, 110 not on a movable restraint, and a lowerintegral dissociation guide such as the Panel Support Slide-SIW UpFlexture, 106. These items can be integral or a separate dissociationguide perhaps even such as a springed dissociation guide.

Similarly, there can be at least one adverse movement bias element thatbiases the solar panel movable restraint away from the solar panel andthe coupler seat. A seat proximate bias element, can act proximate tothe solar panel coupler seat as shown. In operation, this can beovercome by a non-dissociation coupler element configured to overcomedissociation by said dissociation guide, non-dissociating at least onesolar panel mount component, by a non-adverse bias coupler element, orby a non-oppositional coupler element. This can be provided such as by aclamping member, perhaps such as shown through a wedge member responsiveto the threaded adjuster. By causing wedge movement of the solar panelmovement restraint a solar panel lip overhang can be wedge clamped tothe solar panel to affix it in position. At least partially reducing thestep of biasing the solar panel movable restraint away from said solarpanel coupler seat can be part of the installation process. FIGS. 143 to146, show a Panel Support Slide-SIW Flexture, 107 to keep the BitingBar, 38, off the Solar Panel Frame Bottom, 43, and push Solar PanelInner Frame, 108, which seats the Solar Panel, 3, against the Long PanelSupport-SIW, 103, and the Short Panel Support-SIW, 104. FIGS. 145 and146 show the Panel Support Slide-SIW Flexture, 107, in a compressedstate.

As shown in FIG. 141, the wedge can serve as one type of a solar panelmount base compression member that applies a solar panel mount basecompressive force such as to the bottom lip of the solar panel. As sucha panel lip compressive force member or also a base compressive forcemember or a base compression clamp system, the panel can be held inplace such as through base compression. There can also be a small gapbetween the Panel Support SIW Retaining Finger, 146, and the Solar PanelFrame Bottom, 43. To help subside rattling, a Panel Support Slide-SIWFinger Flexture, 110, is shown in FIG. 142. This Panel Support Slide-SIWFinger Flexture, 110, will put an additional down force on the SolarPanel Frame Bottom, 43.

FIG. 137 also shows an open top intermediate support that does notextend beyond the panel height. Embodiments can have a standard panelheight intermediate support or one that is shorter than a standard panelheight.

FIG. 147 shows that the lip on Long Panel Support-SIW, 103, and theShort Panel Support-SIW, 104, can be removed and still will be held downwith the Panel Support Slide-SIW, 105.

Grounding between the T-Bolt, 60, and the Long Panel Support-SIW, 103,and the Short Panel Support-SIW, 104, can be accomplished by creating aninterference fit between portions of the T-Bolt, 60, and the Long PanelSupport-SIW, 103, and the Short Panel Support-SIW, 104.

FIG. 149 is an enlargement of FIG. 48. In FIGS. 149 to 151 there isinterference between the T-Bolt Top Biting Corner, 118, and the PanelSupport C-Channel Corner, 119, when the T-Bolt, 60, is rotated into thePanel Support C-Channel, 55, shown in FIG. 116. This interference couldalso be at the opposite edge of the T-Bolt, 60. Other biting surfacescan be formed on the T-Bolt, 60, as shown in FIGS. 148 and 150.Referring to FIGS. 116 117, 148 and 150, when the T-Bolt, 60, is rotatedinto the Panel Support C-Channel, 55, as shown in FIG. 116, The T-BoltBottom Biting Teeth, 117, would cut into the Panel Support C-ChannelBottom, 114, the T-Bolt Side Biting Teeth, 116, would cut into the PanelSupport C-Channel Sides, 112, and the T-Bolt Top Biting teeth, 115,would cut into the Panel Support C-Channel Top, 113. You need at leastone of these biting teeth, 115, 116, 117 or 118 to form a ground path.

As FIG. 151 shows, a foundation mount base can have a first side memberadjacent a first slider side as on the left in the figure, and a secondside member adjacent a second slider side as on the right in the figure.A slider retainer element such as the Channel Bolt, 130, can be attachedto the first slider side and the second slider side to opposite sideengage the solar panel support slider by the solar panel foundationmount. This can then act to retain the solar panel support slider bysaid solar panel foundation mount. The mount riser shown in FIG. 153extends from said solar panel support slider to set the height of theactual panel mount base. This can also be retained in position by thestep of opposite side engaging. As such there can be a mount riserretainer that acts as a compression restraint. This can be achieved bytightening a singular retainer element such as a threaded retainer orthe transverse bolt, 130 as shown. The design shown assembled in FIG.152 presents a side clamp system and a solar panel mount side clampsystem.

FIGS. 148, 150-159, shows another way to create and ground between theRoof Mount US Slot Channel, 120, and the T-Bolt, 60. Referring to FIGS.153 and 156, when the Channel Bolt, 130, is tightened, the separatetines such as the Roof Mount US Slot Channel Lips, 123, are forced intothe T-Bolt Thread, 125, which creates a ground between the Roof Mount USSlot Channel, 120, and the T-Bolt, 60. This also secures the Roof MountUS Slot Slider, 121, to the Roof Mount US Slot Channel Sides, 124 byfriction between the Roof Mount US Slot Channel Sides, 124, and the RoofMount US Slot Slider, 121, the friction force on the Roof Mount US SlotChannel Sides, 124, by the Biting Channel Formed Washer, 126, BitingChannel Formed Nut, 127, Biting Channel Square Washer, 131, and BitingChannel Square Nut, 132 and the anchoring of the Biting Channel FormedWasher Teeth, 128, Biting Channel Formed Nut Teeth, 129, Biting ChannelSquare Nut Teeth, 147, and Biting Channel Square Washer Teeth, 148 tothe Roof Mount US Slot Channel Sides, 124.

The Biting Channel Formed Nut Teeth, 129, Biting Channel Square NutTeeth, 147, and Biting Channel Square Washer Teeth, 148, also create aground path between the Roof Mount US Slot Slider, 121, to the ChannelBolt, 130. The Roof Mount US Slot Slider, 121, is adjustable within theRoof Mount US Slot, 122. If there were a slippage between the Roof MountUS Slot Slider, 121, and Roof Mount US Slot Channel, 120, it would belimited to slippage only to the end of the Roof Mount US Slot, 122.

FIGS. 160 to 168 show another roof mount and panel support with an opentop intermediate support that does not extend beyond the panel height.As shown this embodiment does not provide a top panel restraint abovethe intermediate support. FIGS. 164 to 167 show a short panel supportbut would apply to a long panel support also. Especially with referenceto FIG. 163, it can be appreciated how the solar panel frame lip endrestraint acts to solar panel lip end clamp the solar panel against theintermediate support and how the design can present a solar panelunderside lip capture seat for bottom lip compression clamping of thesolar panel.

As shown in FIG. 164 on the left side, embodiments can have a solarpanel perpendicular movement restraint situated in proximity to thesolar panel lateral movement mount. This solar panel perpendicularmovement restraint can restrain solar panel perpendicular movement in amanner that allows some amount of limited perpendicular movement, whileyet still allowing solar panel lateral movement within the solar panelmount. This can be achieved by the overhanging a solar panel lip asshown. As mentioned above, the solar panel perpendicular movementrestraint can be configured so as to allow some amount of limitedperpendicular movement (as compared to the lateral movement) forinstallation, for use over years, for temperature expansion andcontraction, or the like.

The Panel Support Height Adjust Screw, 141, as seen in FIG. 160, can beadjusted to so that the tops of the Panel Support Height Adjust Screw,141, are close to coplanar prior to Solar Panel, 3, installation. Sincethe top of the Panel Support Height Adjust Screw, 141, can fix thelocation of the Long Panel Support-TS, 133 and the Short PanelSupport-TS, 134, it can aid in the installation of the Long PanelSupport-TS, 133, and the Solar Panels, 3. Since the location of thePanel Support Height Adjust Screw, 141, to the Short Panel Support-TS,134, is close to the same, the Panel Support Height Adjust Screw, 141,could be adjusted from the top through a hole in the top of the ShortPanel Support-TS, 134.

The Channel Support Height Lock Bolt, 139, can secure the Long PanelSupport-TS, 133 and the Short Panel Support-TS, 134, to the Roof MountChannel T, 137. This may be done after the right Solar Panel, 3, isinstalled but before the left Solar panel, 3, is installed. Referring toFIGS. 160 and 161, the Panel Support Slide-TS, 135, can secure the rightSolar Panel, 3, to the Long Panel Support-TS, 133 and the Short PanelSupport-TS, 134. The left Solar Panel, 3 can then be pulled to the leftas shown in FIG. 160. The Roof Mount Channel T Lock Bolt, 138, can locksthe Roof Mount T Slider, 136 to the Roof Mount Channel T, 137.

The Channel Support Height Biting Nut, 140, and tines or serrations onthe Channel Support Height Lock Bolt, 139 can create ground through fromthe Long Panel Support-TS, 133 or the Short Panel Support-TS, 134, tothe Roof Mount T Slider, 136. Grounding from the Solar Panel, 3 to thePanel Support Slide-TS, 135, is established through the Biting Bar, 38.The Panel Support Bolt, 41, can create a ground between the PanelSupport Slide-TS, 135 and the Long Panel Support-TS, 133 or the ShortPanel Support-TS, 134. The Roof Mount Channel T Lock Bolt, 138, cancreate a ground path from the Roof Mount T Slider, 136, to the RoofMount Channel T, 137. The grounding from the Roof Mount Channel T, 137to the Lag Bolt, 10 and Flashing, 8, 18, and 52, can be as discussedpreviously. With the row Solar Panel, 3 to adjacent Solar Panel, 3,grounding created with the Long Panel Support-TS, 133, all the metalparts can be grounded in each row. Grounding from row to row was coveredearlier. This total grounding applies to all the Solar Panel SupportSystems, 1, in this patent.

In this disclosure, and all different features discussed for varioussolar panel support systems should be considered as useful for all ofthe presented solar panel support systems and for many others as well.Any of the biting features on the washers, nuts or bars are examples andcould change without distracting from the purpose of the bitingfeatures. Again, all the solar panels were shown in the landscapedirection. These solar panels could also be in the portrait direction.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferredembodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention tothe particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended tocover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may beincluded within the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 169 shows another Solar Panel Support System, 1, Solar Panel, 3,with the middle of the Solar Panel, 3, removed. The corner of the 4Solar Panels are shown with the Panel Support Slide-SIWL, 151, and theLong Panel Support-SIWL, 149, shown. FIG. 170, shows the Short PanelSupport-SIWL, 150, and the Panel Support Slide-SIWL, 151. Refer also toFIGS. 171 and 172 for additional details on different views.

FIG. 175 shows a conjoined solar panel lateral movement accommodationseat on the left side of the solar panel mount base that is conjoinedwith respect to the solar panel retainer mount on the rights side of themount base. The lateral stop extending above the solar panel mount basein between the solar panel retainer mount and the solar panel lateralmovement accommodation seat can serve as a stop. The left side can allowa degree of free lateral movement for the solar panel at the solar panellateral movement accommodation mount. Naturally, two lateral movementseats or two clamped mounts can be provided such as by establishing asecond lateral movement accommodation seat or a second coupler seat.

In FIGS. 175 and 176, the Solar Panel, 3, has been removed to show moredetail on the Panel Support Slide-SIWL, 151, and the Short PanelSupport-SIWL, 150. The clamping action is the same on the Long PanelSupport-SIWL, 149. In FIGS. 176-180, the Panel Support Slide-SIWL, 151,slides inside the Panel Support SIWL Wedge Slide, 156, and the PanelSupport SIWL Wedge Slide, 156, can slide inside the Long PanelSupport-SIWL, 149, or the Short Panel Support-SIWL, 150.

FIG. 177 can be used to highlight that embodiments can have an open topintermediate support that does not extend beyond the panel height and toshow how designs do not provide a top panel restraint above theintermediate support. This is shown on an embodiment that has a wedgemember responsive to the threaded adjuster that causes wedge movement ofthe solar panel movement restraint with a solar panel lip overhang.

FIGS. 177 and 178, show the Solar Panel, 3, in the unclamped position inthe Long Panel Support-SIWL, 149, or the Short Panel Support-SIWL, 150.The Panel Support Bolt, 41, has been turned out to accept the SolarPanel. The Panel Support Slide-SIWL Bottom Lip, 161, contacts and pullsout the Panel Support SiWL Wedge Slide Lip, 157, to slide the PanelSupport Slide-SIWL, 151, and Panel Support SIWL Wedge Slide, 156, outfar enough to accept the Solar Panel, 3. The Panel Support Slide-SIWLBottom Flexture, 155, pushes the Panel Support Slide-SIWL, 151, in theup position so the Panel Support Slide-SIWL, 151, can slide over theSolar Panel Frame Bottom, 43.

FIGS. 179 and 180, shows the Panel Support Slide-SIWL, 151, in theposition to start clamping the Solar Panel Frame Bottom, 43. The PanelSupport Bolt, 41, was turned in to get the Panel Support Slide-SIWL,151, in this position.

As the Panel Support Bolt, 41, is tightened further, the Panel SupportSlide-SIWL Angled Face, 152, Panel Support will slide down the PanelSupport SiWL Wedge Slide Angled Face, 158, and the Panel SupportSlide-SIWL Up Front Flexture, 153, will contact the Solar Panel FrameBottom, 43, and this will push the Panel Support SiWL Wedge Slide Lip,157, against the Solar Panel Frame Lip End, 159, which will force theSolar Panel Frame Outside, 160, against the Long Panel Support-SIWL,149, or the Short Panel Support-SIWL, 150. This will continue until thePanel Support Slide-SIWL, 151, is firmly pushing down on the Solar PanelFrame Bottom, 43, and the Biting Bar, 38, is firmly embedded in theSolar Panel Frame Bottom, 43 as shown in FIGS. 181 and 182. Note thatPanel Support Slide-SIWL Up Front Flexture, 153, held up the Biting Bar,38, in the Panel Support Slide-SIWL, 151, until the Solar Panel FrameOutside, 160, was against the Long Panel Support-SIWL, 149, or the ShortPanel Support-SIWL, 150.

FIGS. 180 and 182 show the oppositional flexture and the clamp that atleast partially reduces said step of biasing the solar panel movablerestraint away from the solar panel coupler seat. It also similarlyshows the non-dissociation coupler element configured to overcomedissociation by the dissociation guide, such as by applying force to aportion of the solar panel as by the wedge member serving as anon-oppositional coupler element and a non-adverse bias coupler element.FIGS. 183 and 184 show an addition of a Panel Support Slide-SIWL MidFlexture, 154. One or more of these flextures can be used. In thispatent, flextures are shown to create forces but these forces can bemade by other means such as but not limited to coil springs and springedelements. The Panel Support Bolt, 41, can be used to pull the panelsupport slides. This action is not limited to using a bolt but can beaccomplished by using, but not limited to, a cam, lever, or other means.Pulling down of the panel support slide on the solar panel frame bottomby using a wedge action, but this can be accomplished by other methodsas well. It is the action that a force down on the solar panel frame canbe created with a force not in the direction of the panel support bolt.This bolt creates forces in multiple directions which seats and holdsthe solar panel frame in the panel supports.

Again, different features were discussed for various solar panel supportsystems. The features of each of the solar panel support systems are notto be considered unique to one solar panel support system but should beconsidered as useful for all of the presented solar panel supportsystems. Any of the biting features on the washers, nuts or bars areexamples and could change without distracting from the purpose of thebiting features. All the solar panels were shown in the landscapedirection. These solar panels could also be in the portrait direction.While the invention has been described in connection with a preferredembodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention tothe particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended tocover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may beincluded within the spirit and scope of the invention.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. It involvesboth mounting techniques as well as devices to accomplish theappropriate mounting. In this application, the mounting techniques aredisclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved by the variousdevices described and as steps which are inherent to utilization. Theyare simply the natural result of utilizing the devices as intended anddescribed. In addition, while some devices are disclosed, it should beunderstood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also canbe varied in a number of ways. Importantly, as to all of the foregoing,all of these facets should be understood to be encompassed by thisdisclosure.

The discussion included in this application is intended to serve as abasic description. The reader should be aware that the specificdiscussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; manyalternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the genericnature of the invention and may not explicitly show how each feature orelement can actually be representative of a broader function or of agreat variety of alternative or equivalent elements. Again, these areimplicitly included in this disclosure. Where the invention is describedin device-oriented terminology, each element of the device implicitlyperforms a function. Apparatus claims may not only be included for thedevice described, but also method or process claims may be included toaddress the functions the invention and each element performs. Neitherthe description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope ofthe claims that will be included in any subsequent patent application.

It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be madewithout departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes arealso implicitly included in the description. They still fall within thescope of this invention. A broad disclosure encompassing both theexplicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety of implicit alternativeembodiments, and the broad methods or processes and the like areencompassed by this disclosure and may be relied upon when drafting theclaims for any subsequent patent application. It should be understoodthat such language changes and broader or more detailed claiming may beaccomplished at a later date (such as by any required deadline) or inthe event the applicant subsequently seeks a patent filing based on thisfiling. With this understanding, the reader should be aware that thisdisclosure is to be understood to support any subsequently filed patentapplication that may seek examination of as broad a base of claims asdeemed within the applicant's right and may be designed to yield apatent covering numerous aspects of the invention both independently andas an overall system.

Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims mayalso be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally, when used orimplied, an element is to be understood as encompassing individual aswell as plural structures that may or may not be physically connected.This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation,be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a methodor process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element ofthese. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosurerelates to elements of the invention, the words for each element may beexpressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms—even if only thefunction or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even moregeneric terms should be considered to be encompassed in the descriptionof each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desiredto make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this inventionis entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that allactions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as anelement which causes that action. Similarly, each physical elementdisclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the actionwhich that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, asbut one example, the disclosure of a “clamp” should be understood toencompass disclosure of the act of “clamping”—whether explicitlydiscussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure ofthe act of “clamping”, such a disclosure should be understood toencompass disclosure of a “clamp” and even a “means for clamping.” Suchchanges and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitlyincluded in the description. Further, each such means (whetherexplicitly so described or not) should be understood as encompassing allelements that can perform the given function, and all descriptions ofelements that perform a described function should be understood as anon-limiting example of means for performing that function.

Any patents, publications, or other references mentioned in thisapplication for patent are hereby incorporated by reference. Anypriority case(s) claimed by this application is hereby appended andhereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used itshould be understood that unless its utilization in this application isinconsistent with a broadly supporting interpretation, common dictionarydefinitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and alldefinitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in theRandom House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition are herebyincorporated by reference. Finally, all references listed below or otherinformation statement filed with the application are hereby appended andhereby incorporated by reference, however, as to each of the above, tothe extent that such information or statements incorporated by referencemight be considered inconsistent with the patenting of this/theseinvention(s) such statements are expressly not to be considered as madeby the applicant(s).

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim andmake a statement of invention to at least: i) each of the mountingdevices as herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methodsdisclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicitvariations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternativedesigns which accomplish each of the functions shown as are disclosedand described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplisheach of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which isdisclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown asseparate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced bythe various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resultingproducts produced by such systems or components, ix) each system,method, and element shown or described as now applied to any specificfield or devices mentioned, x) methods and apparatuses substantially asdescribed hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanyingexamples, xi) an apparatus for performing the methods described hereincomprising means for performing the steps, xii) the various combinationsand permutations of each of the elements disclosed, xiii) eachpotentially dependent claim or concept as a dependency on each and everyone of the independent claims or concepts presented, and xiv) allinventions described herein.

With regard to claims whether now or later presented for examination, itshould be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid greatexpansion of the examination burden, the applicant may at any timepresent only initial claims or perhaps only initial claims with onlyinitial dependencies. The office and any third persons interested inpotential scope of this or subsequent applications should understandthat broader claims may be presented at a later date in this case, in acase claiming the benefit of this case, or in any continuation in spiteof any preliminary amendments, other amendments, claim language, orarguments presented, thus throughout the pendency of any case there isno intention to disclaim or surrender any potential subject matter. Itshould be understood that if or when broader claims are presented, suchmay require that any relevant prior art that may have been considered atany prior time may need to be re-visited since it is possible that tothe extent any amendments, claim language, or arguments presented inthis or any subsequent application are considered as made to avoid suchprior art, such reasons may be eliminated by later presented claims orthe like. Both the examiner and any person otherwise interested inexisting or later potential coverage, or considering if there has at anytime been any possibility of an indication of disclaimer or surrender ofpotential coverage, should be aware that no such surrender or disclaimeris ever intended or ever exists in this or any subsequent application.Limitations such as arose in Hakim v. Cannon Avent Group, PLC, 479 F.3d1313 (Fed. Cir 2007), or the like are expressly not intended in this orany subsequent related matter. In addition, support should be understoodto exist to the degree required under new matter laws—including but notlimited to European Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United StatesPatent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws—to permit the addition of anyof the various dependencies or other elements presented under oneindependent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any otherindependent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time whetherin this application or in any subsequent application, it should also beunderstood that the applicant has intended to capture as full and broada scope of coverage as legally available. To the extent thatinsubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant didnot in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particularembodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant shouldnot be understood to have in any way intended to or actuallyrelinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have beenable to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should notbe reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literallyencompassed such alternative embodiments.

Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase“comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, accordingto traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requiresotherwise, it should be understood that the term “comprise” orvariations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to implythe inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or stepsbut not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elementsor steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive formso as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible.

Finally, any claims set forth at any time are hereby incorporated byreference as part of this description of the invention, and theapplicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion ofsuch incorporated content of such claims as additional description tosupport any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof,and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move anyportion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or anyelement or component thereof from the description into the claims orvice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection issought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division,or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefitof, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws,rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such contentincorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency ofthis application including any subsequent continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extensionthereon.

What is claimed is:
 1. A solar panel mount system comprising: a solarpanel coupler seat comprising a solar panel foundation mount; a solarpanel support slider having a first slider side and a second sliderside, and positioned adjacent said solar panel foundation mount: a firstside member adjacent said first slider side; a second side memberadjacent said second slider side; a slider retainer element attached tosaid first slider side and said second slider side; and a mount riserextending from said solar panel support slider; a solar panel movablerestraint situated in proximity to said solar panel coupler seat; adissociation guide to which said solar panel movable restraint isresponsive; and a retainer configured to secure said solar panel movablerestraint at a desired position relative to said solar panel couplerseat.
 2. A solar panel mount system as described in claim 1 furthercomprising a clamp position adjuster to which said solar panel movementrestraint is responsive.
 3. A solar panel mount system as described inclaim 2 wherein said clamp position adjuster to which said solar panelmovement restraint is responsive comprises a threaded adjuster.
 4. Asolar panel mount system as described in claim 3 further comprising awedge member responsive to said threaded adjuster.
 5. A solar panelmount system as described in claim 4 wherein said solar panel movablerestraint situated in proximity to said solar panel coupler seatcomprises a solar panel lip overhang.
 6. A solar panel mount system asdescribed in claim 1 wherein said dissociation guide to which said solarpanel movable restraint is responsive comprises at least one mountintegral dissociation guide.
 7. A solar panel mount system as describedin claim 6 wherein said mount integral dissociation guide comprises anupper integral dissociation guide.
 8. A solar panel mount system asdescribed in claim 6 wherein said mount integral dissociation guidecomprises a lower integral dissociation guide.
 9. A solar panel mountsystem as described in claim 1 further comprising: a solar panel lateralmovement mount; and a firmly fixed solar panel retainer mount.
 10. Asolar panel mount system as described in claim 9 further comprising asolar panel perpendicular movement restraint situated in proximity tosaid solar panel lateral movement mount.
 11. A solar panel mount systemas described in claim 9 wherein said solar panel mount system comprisesa quadrilateral solar panel mount system.
 12. A solar panel mount systemas described in claim 11 wherein said firmly fixed solar panel retainermount comprises: a firmly fixed third solar panel retainer mount; and anadjacent firmly fixed fourth solar panel retainer mount.
 13. A solarpanel mount system as described in claim 1 wherein said solar panelmount system comprises a bilateral solar panel mount system.
 14. A solarpanel mount system as described in claim 13 wherein said bilateral solarpanel mount system comprises: a first opposed solar panel clamp; and asecond opposed solar panel clamp.
 15. A solar panel mount systemcomprising: a first solar panel system surface; a second solar panelsystem surface; a tined flat bar adjacent to said first solar panelsystem surface and said second solar panel system surface; a progressivesolar system ground perforator tine to which said first solar panelsystem surface is responsive; and a regressive solar system groundperforator tine to which said second solar panel system surface isresponsive.
 16. A solar panel mount system as described in claim 15wherein said first solar panel system surface and said second solarpanel system surface comprise a first substance and wherein said tinedflat bar comprises a different second substance.
 17. A solar panel mountsystem as described in claim 15 wherein at least one of said first solarpanel system surface and said second solar panel system surface isconfigured to accept less than the maximum width of said tined flat bar.18. A solar panel mount system as described in claim 15 wherein saidtined flat bar adjacent said first solar panel system surface and saidsecond solar panel system surface comprises a preferential sideassociation junctionpiece.
 19. A solar panel mount system comprising: asolar panel mount base; bottom flashing extending under said solar panelmount base; a permanent underside sealed junction that comprises acrimp, wherein said permanent underside sealed junction is between saidsolar panel mount base and said bottom flashing; and a structurefoundation attachment extending through said solar panel mount base. 20.A solar panel mount system as described in claim 19 wherein said crimpcomprises an inner radius deformation capture.
 21. A solar panel mountsystem as described in claim 1 and further comprising a mount riser sideengagement.
 22. A solar panel mount system as described in claim 1 andfurther comprising a riser rotational restraint.
 23. A solar panel mountsystem as described in claim 21 wherein said mount riser side engagementand said slider retainer element attached to said first slider side andsaid second slider side comprise a side compression restraint.